Bendale Restaurant, with its vintage allure and emerald clad-doors lined with bright-yellow trimmings, is nestled at the intersection of Ben Stanton Blvd. and Lawrence Ave. East. It's been open since the 1960s.

At first glance, it doesn't seem like a high-end eating experience–because it isn't. Its exterior is a far-cry from the modern-day minimalist designs we're used to.

But step inside and you're transported back to the '70s; adorned with red leather booths, teal-coloured tables and classic white subway tiles, creating an atmosphere that's as flavourful as the era it pays homage to.

"It's a good social gathering for the neighbourhood," remarks a regular. "[People] have been coming here from grade school up until they retire."

Their menu captures the timeless allure of a traditional diner, showcasing beloved classics such as eggs, bacon, French toast, and milkshakes.

At just $10.95, you can indulge in four slices of crispy bacon paired with three eggs, or opt for a plate of French toast or pancakes—all for the same price.

They also cater to heartier appetites with offerings such as steaks, burgers, pasta, soups, and an enticing newcomer–chicken curry, a special introduced by new owners that beautifully mirrors the neighbourhood's diversity.

The server, Jessica, recommended the Bendale Special.

At $14.95, you get four pieces of French toast, two bacon strips, two sausages, two peameal bacon slices and three eggs–just the way you like it. To my delight, the eggs were cooked perfectly; a flawlessly-executed poached medium consistency.

But aside from its kitschy decor and cheap dining options, it left me wondering how it managed to stay open all these years.

In light of COVID's devastating impact on Scarborough businesses, such as the Wexford Restaurant which permanently closed after serving for over six decades, or the repercussions of gentrification that compelled the Real McCoy to relocate–one can't help but question how Bendale Restaurant managed to weather these trials and persist.

"Mom-and-pop shops make Scarborough a more friendly place. It gives you a sense of community," observes Jessica, who has dedicated five years to working at the diner and now feels part of a close-knit family. "Everyone knows your name, and it's like a 'cheers' kind of vibe."

Most of the regulars she's noticed are older couples who wouldn’t normally have the means to cook for themselves due to increasing grocery costs, or other health factors.

"It's a shame that so many of the mom-and-pop shops have closed during COVID, but we were fortunate enough to have the regulars come in and support us," she shares, placing particular emphasis on their outdoor patio, and dedicated regulars who dine there three to four times a week.

In the grand scheme of Toronto's culinary scene, Bendale Restaurant may not always find itself at the pinnacle of the "Top Eats" list.

Nevertheless, what it lacks in trendy accolades, it more than compensates for with an enduring rustic appeal that exudes both vintage elegance and a heartwarming sense of community.

Stepping through its doors is like stepping into a living archive of history, where every meal is not just a feast for the palate but a connection to the past.

In the end, a dining experience at Bendale Restaurant is not merely about consuming a meal; it's about partaking in a tradition, embracing a slice of local heritage, and savouring the simple pleasures of a time-honoured gathering place.

As the city evolves and changes, this endearing restaurant remains a steadfast anchor, reminding us that sometimes the best things in life are the ones that stand the test of time.